Rode into Grand Rapids last night.
Took the Shadow500.
Went on road that somewhat follows the Grand River.
Overcast day, so good for pictures.
Took this picture by the old church for a "Picture Of The Week" game on another forum.
Destination was the Summer Blues free concert (put on by a radio station).
Walter Trout.
Was a chance of rain (40% one hour and 30% the next hour, which is typical around here when is hot and humid, 85F & 80%) so not as many mo'cykles as usual.
Picture of parking lot is about 1/8th the parking area for mo'cykles.
Most of the "bikers" hanging around in the parking lot or the beer vendor area, few at the concert stage area.
Most of the concert goers bring lawn chairs, and sit there and half pay attention, maybe talking, maybe fussing with phone online. I think they come every week just for a night out of the house, or something. I was there to go for a ride and to see Walter Trout.
Walter Trout has been there about every year for the last 6 or so years, well, except for the year he was sick, near death, awaiting liver transplant, that he did get. That year it was a benifit fund raiser concert to support his medical expences. (I bought a couple CDs). He said he keeps comming back to Grand Rapids to repay the favor (since they pay only about 25% of what he typically will get.)
The Walter Trout week is the one I want to go to each year, maybe might go to one other during the summer, but make a point to go the Walter Trout. Is great to see such a national tallent in such a small concert, with out having to go to some crowded bar or stadium. Oh, and did I say its free......
And amazing that he plays so hard, for so long.
Walter Trout was with the John Mayhall, and Canned Heat, and others, and somewhere in there I think Buddy Guy.
One time he said the 5 years with Canned Heat was responcible for about 80% of his liver.
Twice now I have heard him talk about when he was 17 years old and BB King came into the hardware store he was working at. He recognized BB and told him he was learning to play guitar and had bought some BBKing and other old time bluesman albums. He said BB stayed and talked to him for over an hour.
Did get rained on a little bit on way home.
But good rides, and good evening out.